FESTIVALS & EVENTS : Country Fair Jamboree Promises a Day of West

August 08, 1991|ROSE APODACA | Rose Apodaca is a free-lance writer who regularly contributes to The Times Orange County Edition.

Young cowboys and cowgirls and their parents can celebrate summer with games and song at the third annual Stanton Country Fair Jamboree this Saturday, at the Stanton Cultural Arts and Recreation Center.

Children ages 5 to 12 are invited to the free hoedown that will offer games such as "Holy Cow," "Hot Potato," "Griddle Cakes" and "Tug-O-War," in addition to festival competitions such as a checker challenge and a sack race.

An ongoing game throughout the day involves earning special coupons for use at the Wild West jail. Youngsters can play sheriff by using the coupons to "arrest" their friends and put them temporarily in the jail.

Children who prefer expressing themselves creatively can participate in sing-along and craft activities that will go on inside the recreation center and throughout surrounding Stanton Park.

A hot dog barbecue--also free to children and their parents--will be served throughout the four-hour fair.

Because the event is free and space is limited to 200 children, parents are advised to sign up early by calling the recreation center at the number listed below.

"We do encourage pre-registration, but there will be registration the morning of the fair," says Mary Gonye, director of recreation and leisure services.

"We also encourage parents to stick around with their children and enjoy the day," Gonye adds.

This year's jamboree, sponsored by the city of Stanton and the Orange County Ophthalmology Medical Group, will be the largest since the event began three years ago, featuring more games and activities than in previous years and allowing a larger number of children to participate.

What: the Stanton Country Fair Jamboree, for children ages 5 to 12 and their parents.